Laboratory element tests on dynamic responses of gap-graded silica sand

Abstract

This study conducts laboratory element tests to understand the dynamic response of gap-graded materials, mixtures of finer and coarser soil grains, that are used as a filter material in geo-hydro structures. Mixtures of coarse silica sand and three sizes of finer silica sands, having fine silica sand contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100%, have been tested to measure elastic wave properties. The results revealed that elastic wave velocities are influenced by void ratio and fine sand content, while the effect is greatly pronounced when a larger size ratio of gap-graded silica sand is concerned.